Introduction to Non-Standard Analysis

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Introduction to Non-Standard Analysis INTRODUCTION TO NON-STANDARD ANALYSIS DIEGO ANDRES BEJARANO RAYO Abstract. In this paper we introduce the basic concepts of non-standard analysis. First, we provide an overview of first order logic and the theory of filters to successfully construct the set of hyperreal numbers, which we will use as our object of study. Using the transfer principle, a simple corollary ofLo´s'sTheorem, we not only introduce the non-standard notions of continuity, differentiability and Riemann integrability for functions of one variable, but also show that they are equivalent to the standard concepts taught in a first-year calculus course. Contents 1. First Order Logic. 1 2. Filters, Ultrafilters, Ultraproducts and Ultrapowers 3 3. The Structure of the Ultraproduct 6 4. The Structure of the Hyperreals 7 5. Continuity and Differentiability 11 6. Integration 14 7. Conclusion 17 Acknowledgments 17 References 17 1. First Order Logic. Before making an introductory exposition of the ideas behind non-standard analysis and the related construction, it is important that the reader familiarizes himself with the theory of first order logic. This section presents an introduction to these ideas, with a few examples. The system of first order logic is defined inductively, starting by defining the alphabet or the collection of symbols that will be used.1 Definition 1.1. The alphabet of first order logic is a set containing the following elements: • An infinite list of constant symbols: a; b; c; a1; b1; c1;::: • An infinite list of variable symbols: x; y; z; x1; y1; z1;::: • An infinite list of function symbols: f; g; h; f1; g1; h1;::: • An infinite list of relation symbols: P; R; Q; P1;R1;Q1;::: • Logical connectors: ^; _; :; !; $, with their usual interpretation. • Logical quantifiers: 8; 9. • The equality symbol: =. • The two parentheses \(" and \)". Note that every function and relation symbol is an n-placed function or relation symbol. This number is commonly referred to as the arity of the function or relation. For example, a function with arity 1 is called unary, with arity 2 is called binary, so on and so forth. We will denote the arity of a function as ar(f), so that for a binary function f, for example, we have ar(f) = 2. Definition 1.2. A term is a string of symbols from the alphabet that is defined recursively as follows: 1The material presented in this section is based off of [1] and [2]. 1 (1) Every constant is a term. (2) Every variable is a term. (3) If f is a function with arity n and t1; : : : ; tn are terms then f(t1; : : : ; tn) is also a term. (4) A string of symbols is a term if it can be constructed applying the previous steps finitely many times. At this point, it becomes important to point out that only the ^; : and 9 logical symbols are worth mentioning, since all the other logical connectors can be derived from these three. Note that ( _ ') = :((: ) ^ (:')), ( ! ') = :( ^ (:')), ( $ ') = :( ^ (:')) ^ :(' ^ (: )) and (8x)' = :(9x:'). Therefore, from now on, we will only mention the three necessary connectors, and assume that the rest follow from these equalities. Definition 1.3. A formula is a string of symbols from the alphabet that is defined recursively as follows: (1) If t1 and t2 are terms then (t1 = t2) is a formula. (2) If R is a relation with arity n and t1; : : : ; tn are terms then (R(t1; : : : ; tn)) is a formula. (3) If ' is a formula then so is :'. (4) If ' and are formulas, then so is (' ^ ). (5) If ' is a formula and x is a variable then (9x)' is also a formula. (6) A string of symbols is a formula if it can be constructed by finitely many applications of the previous steps. This also implies that, for example, ( _ ') is a formula if, and only if, and ' are formulas by using the fact that ( _ ') = :((: ) ^ (:')) and the definition above. Remark 1.4. The formulas described in 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 are called atomic formulas. Also, note that (1) can be understood as a binary relation R=(t1; t2) which is true if, and only if, t1 = t2. One of the limitations of first order logic is that it does not allow quantification over relations, only vari- ables. This is the key difference between first and higher order logic. While the definitions in this section will focus on developing first order logic, this distinction between first order and higher logic statements will be key in the development of non-standard analysis. Next, we will discuss the difference between free and bound variables. In not so rigorous terms, we say that a variable is free if it doesn't appear next to a quantifier and bound otherwise. Definition 1.5. Let ' be a formula. We define the set of free variables of ', denoted as FV ('), inductively as follow: (1) If ' = (t1 = t2), then FV ( ) = fx j x appears in t1 or t2g (2) If ' = (R(t1; : : : ; tn)) for some relation of arity n, then FV (') = fx j x appears in ti for some 1 ≤ i ≤ ng. (3) If ' = (: ), where is a formula, then FV (') = FV ( ). (4) If ' = (µ ^ ν), where µ and ν are formulas, then FV (') = FV (µ) [ FV (ν). (5) If ' = (9x) , where is a formula, then FV (') = FV ( ) n fxg. Definition 1.6. A formula ' is called a sentence if it has no free variables, meaning FV (') = Ø. Definition 1.7. A language L is a set containing all logical symbols and quantifiers (including the equality sign and the parenthesis) and some arbitrary number of constants, variables, function symbols and relation symbols. It is understood that all formulas made from any language L follow the previous rules. Definition 1.8. Let A be some nonempty set and V ⊂ L be the set of all variables in L.A variable assignment is a mapping β : V ! A, which assigns elements of A to all variables in V . Particularly, for some element k 2 A, some variable x 2 V and some variable assignment function β, there is a function β[x; v] defined as ( k if x = y β[x; k](y) = β(y) if x 6= y 2 Definition 1.9. A model or structure M for some language L is an ordered triple M = (A; I; β), where A is a nonempty set, β is a variable assignment function and I is an interpretation function with domain the set of all constants, relations and function symbols in L such that: (1) For every constant symbol c 2 L, we have that I(c) 2 A. (2) For every function symbol f 2 L with arity n, we have that I(f) 2 An × A. Meaning I(f) is a function of arity n defined on A. (3) For every relation symbol R 2 L with arity n, we have that I(R) ⊂ An. Meaning I(R) is the set of all n-tuples that satisfy R under I. A is frequently called the universe of M. Note that most authors define models as the pair (A; I) and leave the variable assignment function out, even when some have defined such a function. The reason why we decide to define models as a triple is simple; it makes the following definition easy to understand and does not cause any real change on what we consider a model to be. Definition 1.10. Let L be a language and M = (A; I; β) a model of L. Then the interpretation of any term t, denoted as (t)I,β, of symbols in L is defined as follows: • If t = c for some constant c, then (t)I,β = I(c). • If t = x for some variable x, then (t)I,β = β(x). I,β I,β I,β • if t = f(t1; : : : ; tn) for some function f of arity n, then (t) = I(f)((t1) ;:::; (tn) ). Definition 1.11. Let L be a language, M = (A; I; β) a model for L and ' some formula in L. Then, we say that M satisfies ' and write M j= ' or (A; I; β) j= ' whenever: • If ' = R(t1; : : : ; tn) for some relation R 2 L of arity n, meaning ' is atomic, then (A; I; β) j= ' if I,β I,β ((t1) ;:::; (tn) ) 2 I(R). • If ' = : for some atomic formula , then (A; I; β) j= ' if (A; I; β) does not satisfy . • If ' = (µ^ν) for some atomic formulas µ and ν, then (A; I; β) j= ' if (A; I; β) j= µ and (A; I; β) j= ν. • If ' = (9x) for some atomic formula , then (A; I; β) j= ' if there exists some k 2 A such that (A; I; β[x; k]) j= . Note that in this case we assume that x is a free variable on . This concludes the exposition of first order logic. While the reader might feel like the next section is quite disconnected with the previous one, both are essential in constructing the basic framework of non-standard analysis. 2. Filters, Ultrafilters, Ultraproducts and Ultrapowers Filters are a way of formalizing the notion of \big" within set theory. The following definitions set the groundwork for the study of filters, ultrafilters, ultraproducts, ultrapowers and their application within logic.2 Definition 2.1. A filter F on a set I is a set F ⊂ P(I) such that i. I 2 F ii. If X 2 F and X ⊂ Y , then Y 2 F for all X; Y 2 P(I). iii. If X; Y 2 F , then X \ Y 2 F for all X; Y 2 P(I).
Recommended publications
  • An Introduction to Nonstandard Analysis 11
    AN INTRODUCTION TO NONSTANDARD ANALYSIS ISAAC DAVIS Abstract. In this paper we give an introduction to nonstandard analysis, starting with an ultrapower construction of the hyperreals. We then demon- strate how theorems in standard analysis \transfer over" to nonstandard anal- ysis, and how theorems in standard analysis can be proven using theorems in nonstandard analysis. 1. Introduction For many centuries, early mathematicians and physicists would solve problems by considering infinitesimally small pieces of a shape, or movement along a path by an infinitesimal amount. Archimedes derived the formula for the area of a circle by thinking of a circle as a polygon with infinitely many infinitesimal sides [1]. In particular, the construction of calculus was first motivated by this intuitive notion of infinitesimal change. G.W. Leibniz's derivation of calculus made extensive use of “infinitesimal” numbers, which were both nonzero but small enough to add to any real number without changing it noticeably. Although intuitively clear, infinitesi- mals were ultimately rejected as mathematically unsound, and were replaced with the common -δ method of computing limits and derivatives. However, in 1960 Abraham Robinson developed nonstandard analysis, in which the reals are rigor- ously extended to include infinitesimal numbers and infinite numbers; this new extended field is called the field of hyperreal numbers. The goal was to create a system of analysis that was more intuitively appealing than standard analysis but without losing any of the rigor of standard analysis. In this paper, we will explore the construction and various uses of nonstandard analysis. In section 2 we will introduce the notion of an ultrafilter, which will allow us to do a typical ultrapower construction of the hyperreal numbers.
    [Show full text]
  • Actual Infinitesimals in Leibniz's Early Thought
    Actual Infinitesimals in Leibniz’s Early Thought By RICHARD T. W. ARTHUR (HAMILTON, ONTARIO) Abstract Before establishing his mature interpretation of infinitesimals as fictions, Gottfried Leibniz had advocated their existence as actually existing entities in the continuum. In this paper I trace the development of these early attempts, distinguishing three distinct phases in his interpretation of infinitesimals prior to his adopting a fictionalist interpretation: (i) (1669) the continuum consists of assignable points separated by unassignable gaps; (ii) (1670-71) the continuum is composed of an infinity of indivisible points, or parts smaller than any assignable, with no gaps between them; (iii) (1672- 75) a continuous line is composed not of points but of infinitely many infinitesimal lines, each of which is divisible and proportional to a generating motion at an instant (conatus). In 1676, finally, Leibniz ceased to regard infinitesimals as actual, opting instead for an interpretation of them as fictitious entities which may be used as compendia loquendi to abbreviate mathematical reasonings. Introduction Gottfried Leibniz’s views on the status of infinitesimals are very subtle, and have led commentators to a variety of different interpretations. There is no proper common consensus, although the following may serve as a summary of received opinion: Leibniz developed the infinitesimal calculus in 1675-76, but during the ensuing twenty years was content to refine its techniques and explore the richness of its applications in co-operation with Johann and Jakob Bernoulli, Pierre Varignon, de l’Hospital and others, without worrying about the ontic status of infinitesimals. Only after the criticisms of Bernard Nieuwentijt and Michel Rolle did he turn himself to the question of the foundations of the calculus and 2 Richard T.
    [Show full text]
  • 0.999… = 1 an Infinitesimal Explanation Bryan Dawson
    0 1 2 0.9999999999999999 0.999… = 1 An Infinitesimal Explanation Bryan Dawson know the proofs, but I still don’t What exactly does that mean? Just as real num- believe it.” Those words were uttered bers have decimal expansions, with one digit for each to me by a very good undergraduate integer power of 10, so do hyperreal numbers. But the mathematics major regarding hyperreals contain “infinite integers,” so there are digits This fact is possibly the most-argued- representing not just (the 237th digit past “Iabout result of arithmetic, one that can evoke great the decimal point) and (the 12,598th digit), passion. But why? but also (the Yth digit past the decimal point), According to Robert Ely [2] (see also Tall and where is a negative infinite hyperreal integer. Vinner [4]), the answer for some students lies in their We have four 0s followed by a 1 in intuition about the infinitely small: While they may the fifth decimal place, and also where understand that the difference between and 1 is represents zeros, followed by a 1 in the Yth less than any positive real number, they still perceive a decimal place. (Since we’ll see later that not all infinite nonzero but infinitely small difference—an infinitesimal hyperreal integers are equal, a more precise, but also difference—between the two. And it’s not just uglier, notation would be students; most professional mathematicians have not or formally studied infinitesimals and their larger setting, the hyperreal numbers, and as a result sometimes Confused? Perhaps a little background information wonder .
    [Show full text]
  • Connes on the Role of Hyperreals in Mathematics
    Found Sci DOI 10.1007/s10699-012-9316-5 Tools, Objects, and Chimeras: Connes on the Role of Hyperreals in Mathematics Vladimir Kanovei · Mikhail G. Katz · Thomas Mormann © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2012 Abstract We examine some of Connes’ criticisms of Robinson’s infinitesimals starting in 1995. Connes sought to exploit the Solovay model S as ammunition against non-standard analysis, but the model tends to boomerang, undercutting Connes’ own earlier work in func- tional analysis. Connes described the hyperreals as both a “virtual theory” and a “chimera”, yet acknowledged that his argument relies on the transfer principle. We analyze Connes’ “dart-throwing” thought experiment, but reach an opposite conclusion. In S, all definable sets of reals are Lebesgue measurable, suggesting that Connes views a theory as being “vir- tual” if it is not definable in a suitable model of ZFC. If so, Connes’ claim that a theory of the hyperreals is “virtual” is refuted by the existence of a definable model of the hyperreal field due to Kanovei and Shelah. Free ultrafilters aren’t definable, yet Connes exploited such ultrafilters both in his own earlier work on the classification of factors in the 1970s and 80s, and in Noncommutative Geometry, raising the question whether the latter may not be vulnera- ble to Connes’ criticism of virtuality. We analyze the philosophical underpinnings of Connes’ argument based on Gödel’s incompleteness theorem, and detect an apparent circularity in Connes’ logic. We document the reliance on non-constructive foundational material, and specifically on the Dixmier trace − (featured on the front cover of Connes’ magnum opus) V.
    [Show full text]
  • Abraham Robinson, 1918 - 1974
    BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY Volume 83, Number 4, July 1977 ABRAHAM ROBINSON, 1918 - 1974 BY ANGUS J. MACINTYRE 1. Abraham Robinson died in New Haven on April 11, 1974, some six months after the diagnosis of an incurable cancer of the pancreas. In the fall of 1973 he was vigorously and enthusiastically involved at Yale in joint work with Peter Roquette on a new model-theoretic approach to diophantine problems. He finished a draft of this in November, shortly before he underwent surgery. He spoke of his satisfaction in having finished this work, and he bore with unforgettable dignity the loss of his strength and the fading of his bright plans. He was supported until the end by Reneé Robinson, who had shared with him since 1944 a life given to science and art. There is common consent that Robinson was one of the greatest of mathematical logicians, and Gödel has stressed that Robinson more than any other brought logic closer to mathematics as traditionally understood. His early work on metamathematics of algebra undoubtedly guided Ax and Kochen to the solution of the Artin Conjecture. One can reasonably hope that his memory will be further honored by future applications of his penetrating ideas. Robinson was a gentleman, unfailingly courteous, with inexhaustible enthu­ siasm. He took modest pleasure in his many honors. He was much respected for his willingness to listen, and for the sincerity of his advice. As far as I know, nothing in mathematics was alien to him. Certainly his work in logic reveals an amazing store of general mathematical knowledge.
    [Show full text]
  • Lecture 25: Ultraproducts
    LECTURE 25: ULTRAPRODUCTS CALEB STANFORD First, recall that given a collection of sets and an ultrafilter on the index set, we formed an ultraproduct of those sets. It is important to think of the ultraproduct as a set-theoretic construction rather than a model- theoretic construction, in the sense that it is a product of sets rather than a product of structures. I.e., if Xi Q are sets for i = 1; 2; 3;:::, then Xi=U is another set. The set we use does not depend on what constant, function, and relation symbols may exist and have interpretations in Xi. (There are of course profound model-theoretic consequences of this, but the underlying construction is a way of turning a collection of sets into a new set, and doesn't make use of any notions from model theory!) We are interested in the particular case where the index set is N and where there is a set X such that Q Xi = X for all i. Then Xi=U is written XN=U, and is called the ultrapower of X by U. From now on, we will consider the ultrafilter to be a fixed nonprincipal ultrafilter, and will just consider the ultrapower of X to be the ultrapower by this fixed ultrafilter. It doesn't matter which one we pick, in the sense that none of our results will require anything from U beyond its nonprincipality. The ultrapower has two important properties. The first of these is the Transfer Principle. The second is @0-saturation. 1. The Transfer Principle Let L be a language, X a set, and XL an L-structure on X.
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring Euler's Foundations of Differential Calculus in Isabelle
    Exploring Euler’s Foundations of Differential Calculus in Isabelle/HOL using Nonstandard Analysis Jessika Rockel I V N E R U S E I T H Y T O H F G E R D I N B U Master of Science Computer Science School of Informatics University of Edinburgh 2019 Abstract When Euler wrote his ‘Foundations of Differential Calculus’ [5], he did so without a concept of limits or a fixed notion of what constitutes a proof. Yet many of his results still hold up today, and he is often revered for his skillful handling of these matters despite the lack of a rigorous formal framework. Nowadays we not only have a stricter notion of proofs but we also have computer tools that can assist in formal proof development: Interactive theorem provers help users construct formal proofs interactively by verifying individual proof steps and pro- viding automation tools to help find the right rules to prove a given step. In this project we examine the section of Euler’s ‘Foundations of Differential Cal- culus’ dealing with the differentiation of logarithms [5, pp. 100-104]. We retrace his arguments in the interactive theorem prover Isabelle to verify his lines of argument and his conclusions and try to gain some insight into how he came up with them. We are mostly able to follow his general line of reasoning, and we identify a num- ber of hidden assumptions and skipped steps in his proofs. In one case where we cannot reproduce his proof directly we can still validate his conclusions, providing a proof that only uses methods that were available to Euler at the time.
    [Show full text]
  • 4. Basic Concepts in This Section We Take X to Be Any Infinite Set Of
    401 4. Basic Concepts In this section we take X to be any infinite set of individuals that contains R as a subset and we assume that ∗ : U(X) → U(∗X) is a proper nonstandard extension. The purpose of this section is to introduce three important concepts that are characteristic of arguments using nonstandard analysis: overspill and underspill (consequences of certain sets in U(∗X) not being internal); hy- perfinite sets and hyperfinite sums (combinatorics of hyperfinite objects in U(∗X)); and saturation. Overspill and underspill ∗ ∗ 4.1. Lemma. The sets N, µ(0), and fin( R) are external in U( X). Proof. Every bounded nonempty subset of N has a maximum element. By transfer we conclude that every bounded nonempty internal subset of ∗N ∗ has a maximum element. Since N is a subset of N that is bounded above ∗ (by any infinite element of N) but that has no maximum element, it follows that N is external. Every bounded nonempty subset of R has a least upper bound. By transfer ∗ we conclude that every bounded nonempty internal subset of R has a least ∗ upper bound. Since µ(0) is a bounded nonempty subset of R that has no least upper bound, it follows that µ(0) is external. ∗ ∗ ∗ If fin( R) were internal, so would N = fin( R) ∩ N be internal. Since N is ∗ external, it follows that fin( R) is also external. 4.2. Proposition. (Overspill and Underspill Principles) Let A be an in- ternal set in U(∗X). ∗ (1) (For N) A contains arbitrarily large elements of N if and only if A ∗ contains arbitrarily small infinite elements of N.
    [Show full text]
  • Infinitesimals
    Infinitesimals: History & Application Joel A. Tropp Plan II Honors Program, WCH 4.104, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 Abstract. An infinitesimal is a number whose magnitude ex- ceeds zero but somehow fails to exceed any finite, positive num- ber. Although logically problematic, infinitesimals are extremely appealing for investigating continuous phenomena. They were used extensively by mathematicians until the late 19th century, at which point they were purged because they lacked a rigorous founda- tion. In 1960, the logician Abraham Robinson revived them by constructing a number system, the hyperreals, which contains in- finitesimals and infinitely large quantities. This thesis introduces Nonstandard Analysis (NSA), the set of techniques which Robinson invented. It contains a rigorous de- velopment of the hyperreals and shows how they can be used to prove the fundamental theorems of real analysis in a direct, natural way. (Incredibly, a great deal of the presentation echoes the work of Leibniz, which was performed in the 17th century.) NSA has also extended mathematics in directions which exceed the scope of this thesis. These investigations may eventually result in fruitful discoveries. Contents Introduction: Why Infinitesimals? vi Chapter 1. Historical Background 1 1.1. Overview 1 1.2. Origins 1 1.3. Continuity 3 1.4. Eudoxus and Archimedes 5 1.5. Apply when Necessary 7 1.6. Banished 10 1.7. Regained 12 1.8. The Future 13 Chapter 2. Rigorous Infinitesimals 15 2.1. Developing Nonstandard Analysis 15 2.2. Direct Ultrapower Construction of ∗R 17 2.3. Principles of NSA 28 2.4. Working with Hyperreals 32 Chapter 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Hyperreal Calculus MAT2000 ––Project in Mathematics
    Hyperreal Calculus MAT2000 ––Project in Mathematics Arne Tobias Malkenes Ødegaard Supervisor: Nikolai Bjørnestøl Hansen Abstract This project deals with doing calculus not by using epsilons and deltas, but by using a number system called the hyperreal numbers. The hyperreal numbers is an extension of the normal real numbers with both infinitely small and infinitely large numbers added. We will first show how this system can be created, and then show some basic properties of the hyperreal numbers. Then we will show how one can treat the topics of convergence, continuity, limits and differentiation in this system and we will show that the two approaches give rise to the same definitions and results. Contents 1 Construction of the hyperreal numbers 3 1.1 Intuitive construction . .3 1.2 Ultrafilters . .3 1.3 Formal construction . .4 1.4 Infinitely small and large numbers . .5 1.5 Enlarging sets . .5 1.6 Extending functions . .6 2 The transfer principle 6 2.1 Stating the transfer principle . .6 2.2 Using the transfer principle . .7 3 Properties of the hyperreals 8 3.1 Terminology and notation . .8 3.2 Arithmetic of hyperreals . .9 3.3 Halos . .9 3.4 Shadows . 10 4 Convergence 11 4.1 Convergence in hyperreal calculus . 11 4.2 Monotone convergence . 12 5 Continuity 13 5.1 Continuity in hyperreal calculus . 13 5.2 Examples . 14 5.3 Theorems about continuity . 15 5.4 Uniform continuity . 16 6 Limits and derivatives 17 6.1 Limits in hyperreal calculus . 17 6.2 Differentiation in hyperreal calculus . 18 6.3 Examples . 18 6.4 Increments .
    [Show full text]
  • Abraham Robinson 1918–1974
    NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ABRAHAM ROBINSON 1918–1974 A Biographical Memoir by JOSEPH W. DAUBEN Any opinions expressed in this memoir are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Academy of Sciences. Biographical Memoirs, VOLUME 82 PUBLISHED 2003 BY THE NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS WASHINGTON, D.C. Courtesy of Yale University News Bureau ABRAHAM ROBINSON October 6, 1918–April 11, 1974 BY JOSEPH W. DAUBEN Playfulness is an important element in the makeup of a good mathematician. —Abraham Robinson BRAHAM ROBINSON WAS BORN on October 6, 1918, in the A Prussian mining town of Waldenburg (now Walbrzych), Poland.1 His father, Abraham Robinsohn (1878-1918), af- ter a traditional Jewish Talmudic education as a boy went on to study philosophy and literature in Switzerland, where he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Bern in 1909. Following an early career as a journalist and with growing Zionist sympathies, Robinsohn accepted a position in 1912 as secretary to David Wolfson, former president and a lead- ing figure of the World Zionist Organization. When Wolfson died in 1915, Robinsohn became responsible for both the Herzl and Wolfson archives. He also had become increas- ingly involved with the affairs of the Jewish National Fund. In 1916 he married Hedwig Charlotte (Lotte) Bähr (1888- 1949), daughter of a Jewish teacher and herself a teacher. 1Born Abraham Robinsohn, he later changed the spelling of his name to Robinson shortly after his arrival in London at the beginning of World War II. This spelling of his name is used throughout to distinguish Abby Robinson the mathematician from his father of the same name, the senior Robinsohn.
    [Show full text]
  • Arxiv:0811.0164V8 [Math.HO] 24 Feb 2009 N H S Gat2006393)
    A STRICT NON-STANDARD INEQUALITY .999 ...< 1 KARIN USADI KATZ AND MIKHAIL G. KATZ∗ Abstract. Is .999 ... equal to 1? A. Lightstone’s decimal expan- sions yield an infinity of numbers in [0, 1] whose expansion starts with an unbounded number of repeated digits “9”. We present some non-standard thoughts on the ambiguity of the ellipsis, mod- eling the cognitive concept of generic limit of B. Cornu and D. Tall. A choice of a non-standard hyperinteger H specifies an H-infinite extended decimal string of 9s, corresponding to an infinitesimally diminished hyperreal value (11.5). In our model, the student re- sistance to the unital evaluation of .999 ... is directed against an unspoken and unacknowledged application of the standard part function, namely the stripping away of a ghost of an infinitesimal, to echo George Berkeley. So long as the number system has not been specified, the students’ hunch that .999 ... can fall infinites- imally short of 1, can be justified in a mathematically rigorous fashion. Contents 1. The problem of unital evaluation 2 2. A geometric sum 3 3.Arguingby“Itoldyouso” 4 4. Coming clean 4 5. Squaring .999 ...< 1 with reality 5 6. Hyperreals under magnifying glass 7 7. Zooming in on slope of tangent line 8 arXiv:0811.0164v8 [math.HO] 24 Feb 2009 8. Hypercalculator returns .999 ... 8 9. Generic limit and precise meaning of infinity 10 10. Limits, generic limits, and Flatland 11 11. Anon-standardglossary 12 Date: October 22, 2018. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 26E35; Secondary 97A20, 97C30 . Key words and phrases.
    [Show full text]